Today in WW II: 21 May 1942 Sinking of the Mexican tanker Faja de Oro by German submarine U-160, off Key West, precipitates Mexican declaration of war against Nazi Germany.

GMC Model AFKWX-353 Truck, 2 1/2-Ton, 6x6 (G508)

The GMC Model AFKWX-353 Truck, 2 1/2-Ton, 6x6 (G508) was produced starting in 1942 and was in use until the 1950s. It shared many parts with the GMC CCKW, but was a distinct truck with about 7,200 manufactured in total. It's driveline was largely the same as the CCKW but the shorter, Cab-Over-Engine (COE) design required some parts changes. The wheelbase was 164 in. and the overall length was 266.5 in.

Early production AFKWX-353 trucks had a closed metal cab and metal 15 foot long cargo bed. Later production had an open, military style cab and wooden cargo bed. In 1944, the design was changed by making the chassis and bed two feet longer, 17 feet. In final form, the designation was changed to M-427. The open cab variant could be fitted with a machine gun on a ring mount.

The GMC Model AFKWX-353 truck was powered by the GMC 270 cu. in. in-line 6 cyl. 91.5 bhp engine mated to a five speed transmission and two speed transfer case.

GMC Model AFKWX-353 Truck, 2 1/2-Ton, 6x6 (G508) with 17 ft. wooden cargo bed.